The future is here, fam: Free rides on new self-driving vehicles at Sentosa from Aug. 26

Why wait for trams or travel by foot when you can book a free bus ride while on Sentosa island?

From Aug. 26, the public can book a free ride on these new self-driving buses via the Ride Now Sentosa mobile app or at kiosks situated along the island’s beaches.

Sentosa Development Corporation, the Ministry of Transport and the Land Systems arm of ST Engineering announced the availability of the new service today, adding that it is part of a trial that is slated to go on until Nov. 15.

Unfortunately, the service will not be available on weekends, so those on the island can only book a ride on weekdays — excluding public holidays — from 10am to noon, and from 2pm to 4pm.

Exterior of the self-driving shuttle. Photo: Sentosa

The shuttle service will take riders anywhere along the 5.7km route, and drop-off points include Siloso Point, Beach Station, Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach, and even the Sentosa Golf Club.

Four self-driving vehicles will be available for the service. If you’re afraid of these autonomous machines going off course, however — fret not, as someone will be stationed in each vehicle to make sure that it doesn’t cause any trouble.

Screenshots of the Ride Now Sentosa mobile app

According to the same press release, this vehicle attendant, known as the “safety driver,” is tasked with gaining “immediate control” of the minibus or shuttle if and when the need arises.

The vehicles, which have already undergone safety assessments, also come equipped with a system that alerts the driver of any technical issues.